Fit for the future: Are schools dropping the ball on physical activity?

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Open to All KPE Students
Open to the public
Open to U of T community
Open to U of T students
Event's Start Date
Event's End Date

Physical activity has an undeniable influence on kids’ development: children and youth who are active see better outcomes in their lives, from better physical health to improved mental health and academic performance. In an increasingly polarized world, this is one issue on which everyone seems to agree: movement and play is good for kids.

But Canada continues to receive a failing grade when it comes to keeping children and youth active. Last year, only 39% of Canadian children and youth met the recommendation of 60 minutes of moderate- to vigorous-intensity physical activity per day.

The challenges are myriad: disappearing teacher training programs for physical education and health. The declining availability of sport and physical activity programs in schools. Changes in health behaviours resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing challenges with access to facilities.

But the solutions are plentiful. Join us on December 3 for a public panel discussion, moderated by Donnovan Bennett (Sportsnet, CBC), on how we can make real and consistent change to prioritize physical activity for children and youth.



Event Details

  • December 3, 2025 from 6 - 8 p.m.
  • Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport (100 Devonshire Place)
  • Networking session with complimentary hors d'oeuvres
  • Panel discussion with interactive Q & A

Speakers

Donnovan Bennett

 

 

Donnovan Bennett, Moderator
Storyteller, host, producer and content creator (Sportsnet, The Score, CBC)

Simon Darnell

 

 

Simon Darnell 
Professor Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education,
University of Toronto

Jeff Caton



Jeffrey Caton (BPHE 1998) 

Principal, John Polanyi Collegiate Institute, 
Toronto District School Board

Melanie Davis 2025



Melanie Davis
Executive Director and CEO, 
PHE Canada

George Kourtis


George Kourtis (BPHE 1996) 

Education Officer for Health and Physical Education, 
Ontario Ministry of Education

 

Reserve your seat now